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Program Expands Computer Science Instruction In Wisconsin

TEALS Program Pairs Educators, Technology Professionals To Teach Computer Science

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students work on re-imaging laptops in a school computer lab
In this March 13, 2019, photo, Bennett High School students Galib Ovik and Rachael Miller work on re-imaging laptops in a school computer lab in Buffalo, N.Y. They are among student technicians trained by Buffalo Public Schools to help maintain school-issued devices. Carolyn Thompson/AP Photo

Dozens of Wisconsin schools are participating in a program created by tech giant Microsoft’s philanthropic arm to address a shortage of computer science professionals across the country.

The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports that the Technology Education and Literacy in Schools program pairs educators with technology professionals to teach computer science in schools that might not have been able to offer the subject. The partnership simultaneously trains teachers in the subject so they can take over instruction in two years.

The Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction says 17 teachers completed a state preparation program in computer science over the past five years. Fifty received regular licenses and 46 received emergency licenses or permits to teach computer science.

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The small numbers mean some students weren’t getting exposed to the subject.